Library of Congress unearths rare ’60s R&B show for free screenings

“The !!! Beat,” a rarely seen music show from the mid ’60s that featured some legendary R&B, soul and blues acts, will be screened free in September by the Library of Congress, it was announced Thursday.

The showings will be held at 7:00 p.m. ET Fridays at Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. Larry Appelbaum, Library of Congress Music Specialist, jazz curator and host of WPFW’s “Sound of Surprise, will emcee the showings.

“The !!!! Beat” was a blues, soul and R&B TV show broadcast by WFAA in Dallas, Texas, and hosted by disc jockey William “Hoss” Allen. The series began production in January 1966 and ran for 26 episodes. Those featured on the show included Little Milton, Esther Phillips, Etta James, Louis Jordan, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Patti LaBelle. According to Robert Wilonsky of the Dallas Observer, Redding actually was the host of the final episode reportedly because Allen was so distraught over the show’s cancellation.

The four screenings will feature full programs from the series, which has been released on video by Bear Family Records.

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